BONNYVILLE – Those who regularly stroll or jog along the Jessie Lake Trail System in the Town of Bonnyville may notice new signs encouraging trail users to stretch, lunge and engage in a variety of fitness activities.
The new Fitness Trail that launched on July 7 is the second wellness initiative organized by the Bonnyville Wellness Coalition Committee this year. The coalition previously donated sports equipment to the Bonnyville Municipal Library, prompting the creation of the Rec Equipment Lending Library.
RELATED STORY: Bonnyville library collection grows to include sporting equipment
These initiatives are part of a larger mission to promote healthy living and have been made possible through a Healthy Communities Initiative Grant.
As a recipient of the grant, the Bonnyville Wellness Coalition used responses from a 2018 community survey to assess what residents would like to see prioritized when it comes to healthy living.
The Fitness Trail is just one of the ways the coalition is bringing physical activity to the forefront while improving community spaces.
“The signs are meant to encourage anyone using Jessie Lake to add different movement to their physical fitness routine,” explained Victoria Bird, Bonnyville Wellness Coalition committee member.
There are six signs in total and each has exercises targeting various mobility movements at either end of the Jessie Lake walking trail.
“These movements promote the improvement of balance strength and increased cardiovascular capabilities,” Bird noted.
The Fitness Trail has signs starting at the Little Leap Park that go all the way down the path to Slawuta Pond.
There is no designated starting or ending point to the trail, so users can follow along with whichever sign they pass by first.
“What is amazing about this project is that it is made for everyone,” shared the Bonnyville Wellness Coalition Committee Chair Danielle Larsen.
“It is a great addition to the already existing recreation infrastructure in the town. This gives us all the ability to access free recreation at any time of the year in any capacity that you have.”
This is a project that has been in the works by the Bonnyville Wellness Coalition for many years and already had trail users trying out the new signs’ fitness recommendations on the same day they were installed.
The Town of Bonnyville Public Works Department assisted in placing the fitness trail signs along Jessie Lake.
During the launch of the new trail, the Bonnyville Wellness Coalition shared their gratitude to everyone involved in bringing this project to fruition.
Bird also indicated that more initiatives will be announced soon. “So, stay tuned,” she added.
For more information on the Bonnyville Wellness Coalition’s initiatives or how to get involved with the committee, residents can contact Sarah Cole, the coalition’s secretary, at sarah.cole@ahs.ca.